The Proper Way to Set a Tree 



Some Advice on Tree Planting From the Booklet of a 

 Prominent Nurseryman 



A. Good fertile topsoil must be used about the roots. If the tree 

 is to be planted in impoverished ground, good soil should be pro- 

 vided for it. 



B. Plant a tree just as deeply as it stood in the nursery row. 

 This depth is very easily determined by the dirt line always shown at 

 the bottom of the trunk. Failure to plant in accordance with this 

 rule probably results in the loss of more trees than any other cause. 



C. Before planting cut off all the broken or bruised parts of 

 roots. 



D. Be sure to press earth firmly about the roots, especially about 

 the crown, so that every particle of the roots will be embedded in 

 compacted soil. 



E. A tamping stick may be used to work the soil firmly about 

 the roots. With small trees and plants the dirt will settle firmly, if 

 the plant is gently lifted up and down, when the hole is half filled, 

 so that the dirt will work its way between the roots. Just before 

 filling in all the dirt press it firmly. Be sure that the dirt is well 

 compacted, excepting three or four inches at the top of the hole, 

 which should be loosened by occasional cultivation. 



F. If buds have begun to swell at time of planting or if the 

 ground is dry, watering when the hole has been three-quarters filled 

 will not only moisten the roots, but help settle the soil firmly about 

 them. Should drought ensue afterwards, occasional watering will be 

 necessary until the tree becomes established; watering is, however, 

 frequently overdone and death from this cause occurs to trees and 

 plants almost as frequently as from neglect to water. 



G. Trim broken or bruised branches, also two-thirds of the previous 

 year's growth ; because the roots in their disturbed condition cannot 

 at the outset nourish as large a top growth as before they were dis- 

 turbed by moving. 



H. It is often best not to trim the leader or central stem, as a 

 forked tree may result. Hardwood trees, like the oak and beech 

 especially, should not have their central leader trimmed. 



I. If the tree is large or in an especially exposed place where 

 winds may loosen it, support it with wires and provide some pro- 

 tection where the wires come in contact with the tree trunk. A piece 

 of burlap with a few sticks are useful to prevent the wires chafing 

 the tree where they come in contact with it. 



J. After planting, it is better to leave a cultivated area about the 

 tree than to sod close to it. This cultivated area should be from 

 three to five feet in diameter. 



K. Fertilizer, in the form of stable manure or compost, may be 

 used, but should not come in direct contact with the roots. A mulch 

 applied after the planting is usually the best way to supply this 

 fertilizer, as it then also acts to conserve the moisture. 



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